What Are Early Signs and Symptoms of Brain Ischemia?

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Some early signs and symptoms of brain ischemia include problems with coordination, unconsciousness and impairment of body movement, speaking and vision, according to the Columbia University Medical Center. Other symptoms include blindness and general body weakness.

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Cerebral or brain ischemia occurs when blood flow to the brain is insufficient to meet metabolic demands, states the Columbia University Medical Center. When blood flow to vast areas of the brain tissue decreases, a person may experience weakness in the limbs, dizziness, double vision and blindness. The affected person may also feel weak on the entire left or right side of the body, or the entire body. Other common symptoms and early signs include slurred speech, vertigo and loss of bodily coordination.

The symptoms of brain ischemia may range from mild to severe and last from a few seconds to extended periods of time, claims the Columbia University Medical Center. Focal ischemia, which occurs when blood fails to reach specific regions of the brain, becomes evident when body functions of one side, such as the left eye or arm, are inhibited. Global ischemia affects wide areas of the brain and manifests in symptoms that affect the entire body. If a person suffers irreversible brain damage as a result of brain ischemia, the symptoms may be permanent.